Emirati Investigation into Flydubai Plane Incident

The UAE Public Prosecutor, Advisor Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, has ordered the formation of an investigation team composed of specialized members of the Public Prosecution to probe the incident involving Flydubai flight FZ1073, which departed from Dubai International Airport bound for Tel Aviv and was forced to divert and land safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

This directive follows Flydubai’s announcement of a scuffle that occurred inside the cockpit during the flight, which necessitated the intervention of crew members aboard the aircraft to secure the situation.

The investigation team has commenced its work in coordination with the General Civil Aviation Authority and relevant state authorities. The Public Prosecutor has directed the necessary measures to be taken to gather information and evidence, ascertain the facts, circumstances, and motives behind the incident, and verify whether it is linked to any terrorist activity or purpose, or whether it was pre-planned or directed.

The Public Prosecutor emphasized that investigations are ongoing and urged the public to avoid speculation or the dissemination of unverified information regarding the incident before the competent authorities have completed their fact-finding and verification processes, and to refrain from anticipating the investigation’s outcomes. He stressed the importance of relying solely on information and statements issued by official sources.

It is worth noting that the UAE judicial authorities have jurisdiction to investigate the incident in accordance with prevailing legislation, as the aircraft is registered in the UAE and flies its flag, meaning that UAE law applies to crimes committed on board, even if they occur outside the country’s territory.